Image courtesy Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition/Photo from left to right: Dr. Kourtney Bettinger, Abriona Markham, Kari Bruffett, Brenda Bandy, Melissa Rooker, Amy Dean Campmire, Emily Barnes, Jackie Biggs, Kelly Marks, Casey Florea, Stephanne Rupnicki

At a July 25, 2025, ceremony, Governor Laura Kelly officially declared August as “Kansas Breastfeeding Month,” recognizing the importance of breastfeeding for the health and well-being of families across the state.

The proclamation underscores breastfeeding as a public health priority and highlights the need for greater support for parents. Nearly 90% of Kansas families choose to breastfeed, with the state ranking fourth nationally for exclusive breastfeeding at three months and fifth at six months. Still, only about one in three Kansas infants are exclusively breastfed through the recommended first six months, often due to workplace challenges and lack of support.

The Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition and Kansas Department of Health and Environment are encouraging efforts to remove these barriers. Recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics include policies such as paid maternity leave and insurance coverage for lactation support.

The proclamation calls on all Kansans to help create a more supportive environment for breastfeeding. The Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition’s 2024 State of Breastfeeding report outlines action steps and available resources.